Definition of a virtual classroom
A virtual classroom is an online simulation of a real classroom, where multiple learners and trainers are brought together by a videoconferencing system. This remote training solution lets the group’s members see and talk to each other via an online chat tool or audio link, or share and exchange documents in text, audio or video format.
Training provided via a virtual classroom is considered to be synchronous (as trainees can share their thoughts, ask questions of trainers or other trainees, and receive instant answers via a messaging tool) and remote (as courses take place on a shared online platform).
How do you manage a virtual classroom??
Before teaching a virtual classroom course, thorough preparation is essential, to help trainees learn effectively. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of best practices to help you use these training courses to best effect:
- Well-designed training materials. For example, if you plan to create a slideshow, it is better to choose short formats (less than an hour), concise text, images or even videos. In addition, it is important to plan breaks or set up a space (e.g. a discussion forum) where learners can chat together.
- Learner involvement. Whatever technology you choose for your virtual classrooms, remember to train learners how to use it. For example, why not create an online tutorial and send it to trainees a few days before the course starts?
- Courses should be storyboarded in advance so that you can plan activities (quizzes, videos, documents to download, etc.) for your virtual classroom.
- Create a detailed syllabus for your virtual classroom. In the email you send before the course, it can be a good idea to include the full training syllabus, listing slide presentations, activities, break times and practical formalities. Feel free to also describe the post-training period. Use your email application or a training management software to schedule an email reminder 1 hour (or 90 minutes) before the start of the session, asking trainees to log in and including the relevant URL.
- Begin your virtual classroom course by presenting the detailed training program, describing how your chosen platform works and setting out any ground rules.
- During the virtual classroom session, it is essential to encourage interactions between learners by planning opportunities for discussions among learners, and between the trainer and learners.
- Upload resource files to the online platform. Ideally, these resources should remain accessible to learners even after the end of the course.
- Conclude your virtual classroom training with a round-up of the key takeaways, the resources available to learners, and ways to contact the training team.
- Follow up the virtual classroom with an analysis of key performance indicators such as the login rate, task completion rate, scores achieved during tasks, etc.
Benefits and limitations of virtual classroom training
The final section of this article lists the pros and cons of this type of e-learning approach.
Here are a few of the many benefits of virtual classroom training:
- allow people in remote locations to meet up and receive the same tuition at the same time;
- create a space for remote sharing between learners and trainers.
- regular meetings between a trainer and learners
- ability to independently download and view training resources without the trainer
- key performance indicators that measure the effectiveness of the training: platform login rate, number of documents downloaded, etc.
Weaknesses of the virtual classroom (non-exhaustive list):
- suitable equipment is essential: a camera, a high-quality microphone, a good Internet connection and teaching software that supports the virtual classroom environment. All these technical aspects must be considered in advance;
- difficulty grabbing and retaining participants’ attention;
- suitable only for theoretical material. Virtual classrooms are no substitute for hands-on learning.
